Celebrating the next generation of engineers

Despite his five years’ experience as the Machinery Engineer at RHS Garden Wisley, Peter Hill is still in his twenties. He grew up in the area and his story of how he reached his current role is inspiring for young people.

Last year, Peter took a group of students from the GASP Motor Project on a tour of the machinery department at Wisley, giving insight into the variety of work he does - from a full tractor engine strip down to fixing punctures on mobility vehicles. GASP provide caring and practical support for young people with learning or behavioural difficulties, through vocational training in motor mechanics and basic engineering. They normally focus on car maintenance, so a visit to Wisley was a great opportunity to broaden their horizons and see a different application for the skills they learn.

“It took a lot of time to sharpen a lawnmower blade, I liked how precise it had to be." - GASP student

The students loved the chance to have hands-on experience sharpening and balancing mower blades and using a puncture plug to fix a tubeless tyre. They were particularly taken with the mower blade maintenance activity.

We spoke to Peter about his experience - keep reading to find out more about his role at Wisley. 

Peter, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do here at Wisley?

I’m the machinery engineer here at Wisley. Currently I look after about 278 machines on site, ranging from handheld machines such as hedge cutters, strimmers and leaf blowers right through to a range of pedestrian and professional mowers and larger tractors, along with all the implements and attachments that go with them.

What does a regular day look like for you?

Every day is different at Wisley - you have your routine and preventative maintenance that is booked in as scheduled work, but you also get various breakdowns that come in over the radio, and have to get out across site to sort the issue out or recover the machine back in the workshop. We also get second year gardening students coming in to work in the workshop with me for two days - I teach them how engines works and go through the internals of engine and then they learn how to service lawnmowers and two stroke machines.

How did you get into engineering?

I have always had an interest in how things work. I used to take apart old engines and mowers and try and get them going and tune them up. My grandparents used to run a large market garden selling fruit, veg and flowers, so I've been brought up around machines and tractors. My dad also taught me a lot about the electronics side of things.

What’s been your highlight of working in engineering with the RHS?

The vast range of machines that you get to work on so you don’t get bored of working on the same thing. Finding, demoing and purchasing the new machines for the site is always a fun part of the job too.

Are there any misconceptions you think people have about engineering that might put them off getting involved?

There are always unknowns in engineering. You come across new things every day, but by applying the basics and methodically approaching the situation, you can work through it and get the job done. There are many ways of doing the same task - some are just more efficient or easier than others, but that doesn’t make the other way wrong. With experience you get to learn these things.

Do you have any advice for young people wanting to get into engineering?

Don’t be put off by the maths and science. Although, yes it is important, there are lots of avenues to get into the industry and just being good at school academically is only a tiny segment of it. Many people I know didn’t get on at school or weren't classed as 'good', but that hasn’t stopped them. Things like apprenticeships or just experience and willingness to learn will often get you just as far, and there are lots of colleges offering various levels of courses.